Forms of appeal

Theresa May’s “Lancaster House speech” makes use of all three forms of appeal, with logos and ethos making up the majority of the speech and pathos only playing a role in very specific situations.

Logos

This is a very clear, well-structured speech with many examples of logical argumentation, which can sometimes be seen by the use of logical linkers. One example is this:

So where we can offer that certainty, we will do so.

That is why last year we acted quickly to give clarity about farm payments and university funding.

And it is why, as we repeal the European Communities Act, we will convert the “acquis” - the body of existing EU law - into British law.” (ll. 190-195)

By the use of linkers such as “so” and “that is why” twice, May clearly outlines the structure of her argumentation. Brexit is a complex topic, and it is obviously in her interest that everybody understands what the Conservative Government’s future plans are, and why they have made them.

Ethos

Because of the importance of the topic (Brexit) and her only having been Prime Minister for six months, May needs to appeal to her ethos. Partly to position herself a...